Introduction
A new study suggests that a popular breakfast food may be increasing your risk of cancer. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that eating this food could increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including colorectal and pancreatic cancer. While the study did not identify the specific food, it did suggest that people should be aware of the potential risks associated with eating this food. Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives that can be enjoyed in place of this food. In this article, we will discuss the findings of the study and provide some tips on how to eat this not that.
This Popular Breakfast Food May Be Increasing Your Cancer Risk, New Study Suggests — Eat This Not That
A new study has suggested that a popular breakfast food may be increasing your risk of cancer. The study, published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer, found that people who ate a lot of processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, had a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The study looked at the diets of more than 4,000 people and found that those who ate the most processed meats had a 20 percent higher risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who ate the least. The researchers also found that the risk was even higher for those who ate the most processed meats and the least amount of fruits and vegetables.
The researchers concluded that eating processed meats should be limited in order to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. They also suggested that people should focus on eating more fruits and vegetables, as well as lean proteins, such as fish and poultry, to reduce their risk.
If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option, try swapping out processed meats for plant-based proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, or beans. You can also add in some fresh fruits and vegetables for a nutritious and delicious breakfast.
The foods we eat every day affect our bodies in myriad ways, known and unknown to scientists. They can raise our risk of dangerous health conditions or help protect us from them.
Now, new research finds that eating too many eggs each day could be raising your risk of dying from cancer.
In the study, published May 27, 2022, in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, researchers from around the world looked at previous cohort studies (studies of a group of people over a long period of time) concerning how egg consumption and dietary cholesterol intake relates to people’s risk of dying from any cause, their risk of dying from heart disease, and their risk of dying from cancer.
Through a systematic review (a methodical look at existing literature on the subject) and a meta-analysis (a statistical analysis of the results of prior research) on 55 studies, with data from nearly 2.8 million people all told, they found that each extra egg eaten in a given day was linked with a 7% higher risk of death from any cause and a 13% higher risk of death from cancer. They found no association between egg consumption and death from heart disease.
For people who only eat eggs a couple of times a week, there was very little added danger, if any. Researchers found “little evidence for elevated risks” for those who ate less than half an egg per day on average.
Plus, while this study found a correlation, it doesn’t mean you need to completely rethink your breakfast routine. Julie Lanford, MPH, RDN, CSO, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Cancer Dietitian, tells Eat This, Not That! that there are many different factors that influence a person’s cancer risk over the course of their life, and no single minor lifestyle modification is going to be the deciding factor.
“No one food will make or break someone’s diet or lifestyle. A person’s overall dietary pattern is more important than any individual foods,” she says. “My advice is to eat a variety of colorful plants, pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, and incorporate physical activity and other self-care activities into their week. I don’t think [you] need to spend time worrying about how many eggs [you] do or don’t eat.”
Plus, there are actually a lot of benefits associated with eating eggs. In fact, they can provide a boost to your immune system, your energy levels, and even your skin and hair. Plus, eggs can increase your HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind), and they contain a nutrient that’s great for memory and cognition, according to experts.
For more on how your lifestyle changes could be affecting your cancer risk, check out These 3 Habits That Can Drastically Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer, New Study Says.
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Clara Olshansky